The inhabitants of the Maltese Islands are always super-active the year round but in December are in full swing to provide a dazzling array of Christmas events that capture the festive spirit.
Across localities in Malta and Gozo, markets come alive with artisanal crafts, delectable treats, and twinkling lights, offering the perfect setting to shop for unique gifts or simply soak up the holiday cheer.
Naturally, music and Christmas Carols prevail everywhere, from traditional rendering to modern festive concerts, while families can enjoy events particularly tailored to children, featuring everything from opportunities to meet Father Christmas to winter trails.
Whether you’re seeking a cultural experience, a family outing, or simply a festive escape, the holiday calendar will not disappoint and here I will relate some of the many events happening across Malta and Gozo this holiday season and which mark my childhood memories.
My greatest memory is the superb Christmas Day lunches my late dear father used to organise in our home and my wonderful memories of my assisting him, peeling potatoes and carrots and savouring the turkey baking in the oven.
Christmas markets
Christmas markets are of course a hive of activities and one of the largest in Malta is Natalis Notabilis, where Rabat’s streets transform into a Christmas Village for nine days.
Another annual tradition is Valletta’s Fairyland, where Triton Square, the capital city’s gateway, is converted into Santa’s City. From a large carousel to stalls and children’s activities, Fairyland is set to deliver another exciting season which will last to Sunday 5th January.
In Malta’s sister island, Gozo, Magro Brothers will be hosting The Magro Christmas Family Fest, designed for families and children.
Held in Xewkija, the timetable for the family fest will be as follows:
Saturday 21st: 10am to 1:30pm; Sunday 22nd: 10am to 1:30pm and then 3pm to 4.30pm; Monday 23rd: 10am to 1:30pm Tuesday 24th: 10am to 1:30pm.
For the fifth edition, the Magic Illuminated Trail and Christmas Village is returning to Verdala Palace in Buskett for a month-long celebration. Running from 4th December to 4th January, the festival of lights will support the Malta Community Chest Fund Foundation.
A musical and comedic Christmas
Being such a small island, Malta is famed for its two internationally acknowledged and superb tenors.
Tenor ORESTE KIRKOP achieved his international fame for his role as the lead in the Hollywood film “The Vagabond King” in the late 1950s. In consequence, he was offered many other Hollywood musical films but declined them all and returned to his wife in Malta.
His reason – Hollywood is corrupt and full of sexual involvement but he preferred to be faithful to his wife, their relationship and their upbringing.
Today, Malta boasts of leading international tenor JOSEPH CALLEJA who really hit the international headlines a few years ago with his rendering of “Rule Britannia” on the final night of the British Proms and has been a top headline since then.
Joseph Calleja will be performing alongside the renowned Italian trio Il Volo on 20th December, at the facility MFCC in Ta’ Qali.
A number of musical events are also popular during this magical period. Malta’s national choir, KorMalta, returns to Spazju Kreattiv for its Christmas concert tradition. This year’s event will feature classics like Ave Maria and O Magnum Mysterium.
Popular band The Travellers will once again hold their annual Christmas show. This year, ‘Il-Pjan tal-Elfu’ will take place on 20th, 21st, and 22nd December in Rabat, under the artistic direction of Take Two.
Another exciting annual event is the pantomime at the Manoel Theatre. Produced by FM Theatre Productions, this year’s ‘Rapunzel – A Tangled Panto’ is written by Edward Mercieca and directed by Luke Mercieca. Leading the cast, Edward Mercieca and Chiara Hyzler promise to deliver another magical evening at the Valletta theatre. The production will run from 22nd December to 5th January.
As traditions endure, Comedy Knights returns on Boxing Day with its annual event, this year titled ‘Comedy Knights: Dozen Get Funnier Than This!’ If you’re in the mood for a good laugh, head to Sir Temi Zammit Hall at the University of Malta; the show will be running until 5th January.
Ringing in the New Year at the city
Among the hundreds of celebrations going on around New Year’s Eve, the annual celebration in Valletta will once again return, ready to attract crowds at Malta’s capital.
Celebrations will see the participation of Ira Losco, Red Electric, Shaun Farrugia, Kevin Paul, Dr Koroma and Dj Miggy. Additionally, CASCADA will be coming to Malta for the event.
I guess all these will keep visitors occupied over this period! All are accessible, mainly free of charge and can be reached through the use of public transport.
Enjoy a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
By ALBERT FENECH
